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I've lost 2 bikes in the last 4 years, both where old, cheap and rusty, good anti-thieves measures, yet they stole them just for the sake of it.
None recovered even though I did the same you say. One day a friend took a picture of one of the bikes being used by one of those street gypsies just around the city center. But I didn't care anymore as some things are better to let be gone.
I learned some lessons from this:
If you care a bout a good bike, plan your ride beforehand so you don't have to park it out of sight.
If you really want to use a bike for that route and only can park it unwatched, then get a bike that you won't regret losing, like an used, cheap AF and ugly bike that just works, and even so always try parking it in supervised areas and well secured.
No need to buy pricey locks but be sure they are hardened steel and the keys look like pic related but with as much slots as possible.
No cables and absolutely no quick-release levers.
Prepare to lose your bike again anyway.
